The thriving innovation and business environment in Colombia is becoming an enticing draw for startups and investors alike. Within the last few years, Colombia has had rapid growth in the number of startups and funding, progressing from minimal activity to major investors being present in the country. Colombia's homegrown startups such as Rappi and Habi have recently attained unicorn status. Investors have realized Colombia's potential and are actively engaging in the local startup scene. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top Venture Capitalist Funds (VCs) in Colombia that can provide you with the capital and support to help you succeed!
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Topics Covered:
Why Should You Raise Funds in Colombia
Venture Capitalist Funds in Colombia
Closing Thoughts on Venture Capitalist Funds in Colombia
Why Should You Raise Funds in Colombia?
Here are some reasons why startups should consider raising funds in Colombia:
1. Favorable Government Policies
Colombia's government has established a conducive environment for investment and startup growth in the country. One example of Colombia's favorable policy includes tax breaks for creative economy investors to foster growth in the industry. Furthermore, the Colombian government also introduces free trade zones, with 12 free trade agreements in place that offer tax breaks and incentives to international investors. Colombia is also unique in its proactive commitment to startup ecosystems from its city chambers of business that focus on future economic growth instead of the traditional sector, the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the Cali Chamber of Commerce being two examples.
Additionally, the Colombian government recognizes startups' demand for talented workers. To that end, the country's Digital Nomad Visa (also known as a V Visa) attracts foreign talent from all over the world, expanding the country's talent pool. Furthermore, Colombia is also growing their own technological expertise as a result of a number of government programs focused on promoting technology literacy in smaller communities around the country.
2. Access to a Growing Market
One of the main reasons why Colombia is a great place for entrepreneurs to raise funding is its access to a developing market. With a population of over 50 million people, a growing middle class, and an increasingly tech-savvy populace, the country offers a sizable client base for businesses. Startups that can deliver unique solutions in line with local demands can capitalize on this market opportunity and experience rapid adoption of their products or services.
Colombia's advantageous geographical position is also extremely important in terms of market access. Located in the center of Latin America, Colombia acts as a crossroads for both North and South American markets. Because of this proximity, raising funding in Colombia can assist companies in expanding their operations beyond national borders and into other Latin American markets with reduced barriers to entry.
3. Supportive and Growing Startup Ecosystem
Colombia's startup scene is regarded for being collaborative and supportive. Colombia's major cities, particularly Bogota (11.5 million people), Medellin (4.1 million people), and Cali (2.9 million people), have emerged as prominent innovation and technology centres in South America. In the 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Bogota was placed third, Medellin ninth, and Cali sixteenth among Latin America's best startup communities. They provide an abundance of high-tech infrastructure, such as business parks, accelerator programs, and startup centers, which allow enterprises and startups become a part of a developing startup community. Entrepreneurs may interact with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and possible investors through a variety of networking opportunities and events.
Venture Capitalist Funds in Colombia
The venture capital firms below are actively looking for investments in promising companies throughout various stages and sectors. The stages stated do not limit the possibility of getting funding if your company is at any stage other than what is listed.
Year of Inception: 1999
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Kushki, Billpocket, Nuvo Cargo, Fanatiz, Verso
Magma Partners is a venture capital firm that supports and invests in Latin America's most promising technology firms. With a purpose to assist these entrepreneurs in launching and scaling in the US and Latin American markets, Magma Ventures provides not only financial investment but also critical support and direction. Magma Partners has invested more than $80 million in over 125 companies with a focus on scalable enterprises in diverse sectors.
Year of Inception: 2020
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Tul, Neivor, Sumer, Welbe, Meru, Kalto
Marathon Ventures is a talent-focused venture firm that invests in Latin American early-stage enterprises. Magma Partners aspires to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and Latin America by supporting entrepreneurs and driving innovation in the area. Marathon Ventures offers full assistance to assist founders in laying strong foundations, including access to funding, resources, and a broad network of industry experts.
Year of Inception: 2012
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: AgriFood, Energy, Emerging Tech
Notable Portfolio: Pantrii, Sympower, iClinic, Dexter, HUBS
Rockstart is a renowned startup accelerator and venture capital firm headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with operations in Bogota, Colombia. With a purpose to encourage and inspire ambitious entrepreneurs, they offer a variety of programs and services to help startups develop and flourish. Mentorship, networking opportunities, access to finance, and personalized support in areas such as energy, health, and agrifood are all part of their comprehensive strategy. To date, Rockstart has demonstrated a strong track record of developing and expanding creative firms, which has earned it a trusted and respected position in the global startup ecosystem.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: 80 Acres Farms, Outlook Soft, B2Chat
Taurus Capital is a firm that provides diverse and innovative investment options, offering a wide range of services including risk capital and alternative investments. Taurus Capital works with outstanding entrepreneurs to establish great companies of the future by combining their passion and creativity with Taurus Capital's expertise. They take an active role in investments, offering not just financial assistance but also strategic advice and operational skills. Their seasoned team collaborates closely with entrepreneurs, providing coaching and access to their broad network of industry contacts.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Pacto, Elenas, Tani, Autolab, Aflore
Polymath Ventures is a fast-growing digital venture firm that focuses on high-impact companies for emerging markets, primarily Latin America. They invest in and grow human-centered digital firms that cater to the specific requirements of this population, with the goal of empowering the middle class. Polymath builds businesses in-house and recruits dedicated founding teams to lead them using their patented business design approach. Since its founding in 2012, they have successfully launched 9 companies and raised over $30 million in funding. They provide continuous assistance in strategy, operations, and design-thinking approaches, being actively involved throughout their firms' life cycles.
Year of Inception: 2020
Stage: Seed
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Aflore, Cubbo, Finvero, Monto, Linxe, Plurall
Arrebol Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in technology startups. With a significant presence in the region, Arrebol Capital aims to assist and foster early-stage firms with innovative concepts and great growth potential. Their investment approach emphasizes on discovering potential entrepreneurs and providing them with the funding, resources, and experience they require to scale their businesses.
Year of Inception: 2017
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: AI
Notable Portfolio: Baseten, Credo AI, Content Groove, Speech Lab, Woebot Health
AI Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage artificial intelligence firms. Their objective is to help entrepreneurs that utilize artificial intelligence to establish disruptive businesses. They believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to change a variety of sectors and are committed to supporting creative startups that are driving innovation in this field. AI Fund has a hands-on approach, collaborating with their portfolio businesses to give strategic counsel and assistance throughout their growth path.
Year of Inception: 2012
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Leaf Grow, Oanlex, Megabite, Strike, Singularities
Carao Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in early-stage startups led by founders from Latin America, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries such as Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. With a mission to support entrepreneurs with technical skills, Carao Ventures aims to bring innovation to industries that lack competitiveness.
Year of Inception: 2015
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Merqueo, 1doc3, Platzi, Epica, Gocargo
EWA Capital is an investment management firm that focuses on early-stage firms with revolutionary business strategies. The organization takes pride in forming solid alliances with experienced and ambitious entrepreneurs, emphasizing gender diversity, scalability, and inclusion in their investment choices. The expertise of EWA Capital is in fostering and mentoring these early-stage enterprises to commercial success.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Rappi, Ofi, Nxtp Labs, Foody, Vincu Ventas, Ubits
INVX Capital is a Colombian investment business based in Medellin with a branch office in Bogota. INVX aspires to promote innovative and high-potential enterprises by focusing on excellent entrepreneurial teams. Specializing in early-stage startups in Latin America, INVX typically invests between $25,000 and $50,000 in these ventures.
Year of Inception: 2020
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Patiya, Rei House, Guardian Kids, Clickgreen, PharMed
Cube Ventures is a well-known venture capital firm in Latin America that specializes in advancing early-stage technology firms. They have established themselves as a top company builder that strives to assist the growth and success of companies in the region via financing, knowledge transfer, and community building. As their commitment to their portfolio firms, Cube Ventures also makes investment introductions to angels and worldwide funds, assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining the necessary finance for growth.
Year of Inception: 2013
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Pulzo, Fitpal, Symplifica, Deleyes, Laika, Logysto
inQLab is a prominent venture capital firm with a mission to promote and foster early-stage technological firms in Colombia and Latin America. They were created with the goal of investing in innovative firms that are altering industries and are regionally scalable. inQLab is critical in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship by assisting companies in scaling their operations and achieving success with their strategic contribution, resources, and networks.
Year of Inception: 2018
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: Impact
Notable Portfolio: Sunco, Finaktiva, Slang, Symplifica, Hybrico
Alive Ventures is an impact investment firm that focuses on early-stage firms making a positive impact in Colombia and Peru, as well as throughout Latin America. By offering financial assistance and resources to these impact-driven businesses, Alive Ventures hopes to enhance the lives of low-income communities in the region. They are actively trying to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for Latin America by investing in socially aware businesses.
Year of Inception: 2019
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Ecommece, AgTech, HR Tech, HealthTech, PropTech, Circularity, CleanTech, Mobility, EdTech, FinTech
Notable Portfolio: Talkpush, Vecindario, Ritmo, Dimuto, Tennders
Latin Leap is a venture capital studio that invests in early-stage Latin American start-ups. Founded by Stefan Krautwald, a technology entrepreneur with substantial expertise in the area, the firm wants to contribute to Latin America's technological leapfrogging through technology investments. Latin Leap provides a unique investment platform to soft-land purpose-driven tech firms in Latin America through its corporate alliances and venture partners.
Year of Inception: 2008
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Fairplay, Cloudphysician, LEAD, Galena, Favo
Elevar Equity is an investment firm that specializes in early growth capital and impact investing in emerging markets. Their purpose is to help underserved customers and low-income communities achieve economic resilience and vitality. Elevar Equity's distinct investing strategy is built on discovering companies that not only have a significant impact but also show a clear link between impact and returns. To date, Elevar has played a vital role in democratizing basic products and services for over 30 million people in India and Latin America by linking low-income populations to financing markets.
Year of Inception: 2015
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Sustainable Development, Sustainable Wellbeing
Notable Portfolio: Acscendo, Justo, Pager, MoneyLion, Zendrive, Trov
Veronorte is a venture capital firm established in Medellin, Colombia that committed to investing in Latin American firms. With a commitment to a #SharedFuture, Veronorte actively invests in sustainable companies that align with their mission to create a sustainable future and promote sustainable wellbeing. Through their portfolio, Veronorte seeks to address challenges in various industries and make a positive impact on society and the environment.
Year of Inception: 2005
Stage: Series B, Series C
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Bold, HoyTrabajas, Cleeng, UniteX, Foody
Solid Ventures is a venture capital firm based in the Netherlands and Colombia that focuses on investing in innovative and fast-growing technology firms. Solid Ventures invests in established firms that have demonstrated expansion and scalability potential, providing them with the necessary funds and assistance to develop and succeed. With a team that has substantial entrepreneurial and venture capital expertise, they assist portfolio firms with fundraising, strategic positioning, marketing, and international development.
Closing Thoughts on Venture Capitalist Funds in Colombia
Colombia's startup ecosystem is becoming a key engine for the country's economy, with numerous efforts and initiatives encouraging entrepreneurship in the country. Colombia's expanding startup environment, favorable investment climate, and supportive government policies make it a great location for companies to seek funding. Access to an emerging market, cheaper operating and living costs, availability of skilled labor, and a supportive startup community all contribute to Colombia's desirability as a startup hub. Today, Colombia is attracting more foreign capital whilst encouraging local capital to catch up. Whether you're a local or international entrepreneur, Colombia offers a compelling ecosystem that fosters startup success.
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